Tattoo Girl

I know it sounds silly, but most of the time I forget I have tattoos. That is, until I'm around an inquisitive child like Nyah (Debra's daughter) who must have looked at almost every tattoo five times the other night and say, "Why?" Honestly, I don't know how to answer that. How do you explain to a child why you were self-destructive after you got divorced and got six tattoos in a year? Granted, I don't regret my tattoos, I feel they give me character, but it is interesting to see them through the eyes of a child. I've got 19, in case you were wondering. Here are a few pics of my favorites.

Nine Years Ago...

Once upon a time, I was driving home from work in the middle of the day. It was a nice, sunny day, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and I was driving in the fast lane on Highway 101 when I looked down for a second to glance at a picture (I know, I know, but it seriously was one second). When I looked up, my car was veering slightly to the left (as we've all done a million times) and I jerked the wheel too severely, causing my wheels to overcorrect. Unfortunately, my wheels were totally bald and my car did a 360 across the freeway, rolled down a hill, and into a tree. It was the scariest thing to ever happen to me (aside from being hit by the diesel truck in college, but that's a story for another day) and I swear I saw my life flash by my eyes in slow motion. When I finally stopped spinning, my car was upside down and I crawled out of the window, but not before my arm smashed through it when I rolled. I was bleeding everywhere and wasn't sure from where. Luckily, a whole line of cars stopped, two medics were on the scene who bandaged up my arm and the ambulance was there before I knew it. I was taken to the ER where I saw my mom's face show fear for the first time (as a nurse, she was never phased by my little accidents...until then). My then-husband sat in my room for a week while I went through two surgeries to cover the holes in my arm. Even after I recovered, I could feel glass in my arm and had to have another surgery. Three surgeries, too many staples (instead of stitches) to count, and three months later, I was back to work. My "monster arm" or "scarm" finally healed (well, as much as it could, I've still got major scars) and it still scares small children. Nine years later and I can still hear the tires squeal and wonder why I'm here. The officer on the scene was certain no one survived. I wish I still had the picture of my smashed car, because you'd see how much of a miracle it is that I'm alive. There wasn't any room in the car, it was completely smashed. How did I make it out? When the diesel hit us, it was the same thing. Everywhere but where I was sitting was completely smashed in. Is there some divine purpose for me to be here? If so, could someone please tell me what it is? :) Anyway, as it was nine years ago this week when I rolled my car into a tree, I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on the day I regained my life. Once I recovered, I left my husband and my life started anew. Nine years later, here I am. Scarm and all.

Back to my Mancation

OK, it's *possible* that I took a little vacation from my mancation, but I've since learned my lesson - no more trips to man-town! I'm back on the horse for good. Stupid boys and all their stupid games. Why do I think they're ever going to be different? Trying to trick me with their wily ways and flirty texts? Bastards, all of them. Pardon my French, but it had to be said. I officially give up. Nunery, here I come.

The Internet World is Small, Y'all

So, get this...you know how I love the Postsecret site (what? who, me?) and post my favorite secrets every Sunday? My dear, wonderful friend Shaun (one of my Sundance boys) actually submitted one the secrets that not only was posted, but that I picked to put on my blog! What are the chances? So random. As an encore performance, here's his masterpiece (and it should be noted, that he also had *another* secret posted about a month ago...but I didn't pick that one).

The McWomen Saw, Well, The Women

Last night I finally went to see The Women with McH and McG. We all really liked it and enjoyed the performances by the ever-entertaining actresses in the film. We also had a chance to eat a gyro at McB's work before the movie - yum! McP was excited to see my new hair color, as I dyed it again on Sunday. As you can see, it's pretty dark underneath (which is fine, as the red fades out really fast). I think it's fun to have a new haircolor, though. Definitely something different!

Time to Vote

As it's almost October, it's time to vote on this year's Christmas card. I still have time to find some others, but let's look at these choices for now. Of course, Ricky Schroder is going to be on it - that is non-negotiable. But, who else should be on it? Glenn Close? Matthew Broderick? Jack Black? Sarah Jessica Parker? Luke Wilson? Let me know what you think. Right now I'm leaning towards the Peppermint one for sure. We may have a winner...is this one too much??

I'm Just Saying

I've got this on my fridge and it always makes me laugh.

Yes, my Facebook Love is Still Strong

Oh, I guess I did talk about my Facebook love last week, when we rehashed my status change. Well, I wasn't sure if I'd been talking about it, because of course my love is deep and true. There's only thing that drives me crazy, and that's the neverending requests for stupid crap - like a Little Green Patch or Own Your Friends or a myriad of other ways to waste your time. Seriously, why do I need any of that garbage? All I care about knowing is new information on friends, pictures, and, of course, my Scrabble game with McH. I will say that one of the things I love most about FB is that everyone has a different experience due to everyone knowing different people. This is totally apparent when I log into my account and then into Monkey's account - as Monkey has significantly less friends than I do (well, to be fair, he is a Monkey and not exactly real), his updates and information are completely different than mine. It's kind of fascinating. Plus, more and more friends are signing up, which makes it even more fun. Hooray for Facebook! :)

I Have No Words

So, the crazy guy on myspace sent me a few more messages. The sad thing is that he's really a cute guy. I wonder what made him insane? I'd written him back telling him I wasn't sure what he was talking about the other day because I'm a Taurus and here are his replies:

I love you so much, Sweetie. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. You are like the best poetry ever composed, the best song ever played, the best picture ever painted. I never thought that someone like me could get so lucky!to see a beautiful Angel like you.

And then, a few hours later, I got this:

Since the day i saw your pics.....I am so completely in love with you. I wake to think of you and I sleep to see you in my dreams. Your love has made me love my life. Everyday seems like a blessing since I've met you. I feel so lucky and honored to be in love with such a talented, beautiful and intelligent person like you pinky. I love you with all of my heart. It is a truly wonderful gift.

You know, these would be lovely things to hear if I knew the person AT ALL. So weird!

San Francisco, Here I Come

The other day I received an exciting email from my "gay husband," Michael. For those who don't know, Michael was deemed my "gay husband" when we both worked on staff at Sundance years ago and he was the Will to my Grace. Whenever anyone needed to find him, they'd say, "Where'd your husband go?" Hence, my "gay husband." Sadly, Michael moved back to San Francisco years ago and I only get to see him on special occasions. But, I'm excited to announce that he'll be marrying his partner, Andrew, in a few weeks. I'm so happy for them! He sent me an invitation to attend a little gathering after they exchange their vows and I couldn't be more thrilled. I adore Michael and Andrew and wish them every happiness in the world. I can't wait to attend and share

their special day. They'll be having a bigger shindig next year, but this will be a nice, intimate affair. My friend Joe (apparently, he's my designated wedding date) has volunteered to come with, so it should be fun. I can't wait!

I May Need to Pay Attention

So, at dinner the other night (well, after dinner, actually) the topic turned to my oh-so-favorite topic in the world (stifles laughter)....politics. Everyone certainly seems to be in crisis. I fear I may need to start paying attention...I mean, more than watching SNL mock the candidates. Don't worry, I'm not opening anything up for a political discussion...just making an observation. :)

Pinky's

McB's friend sent this pic to share. Loves it!

Dale Chihuli Rocks my World

I'm going to have to go on record as officially disagreeing with McH, who had the nerve to publicly mock Dale Chihuli's artistic genius on her blog. As I once worked a cocktail party in SLC which featured his work, and then watched the documentary called "Chihuli over Venice" about his glass being blown all over Venice, I've been a big fan for a long time. The pink glass tree in Abravanel Hall is glorious in my eyes (take that, McH). :) The flower ceiling found in the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas? Breathtaking.The glass all over Venice? Nothing less than amazing. I realize that art is in the eye of the beholder, but I've always just loved blown glass of any kind, so perhaps I'm a tad bit biased? Regardless, I respectfully disagree with McH's Chihuli bashing. To me, he is a genius and I can never get enough.

Not a Fan of the Answer Tones

I'd like to go on record and say I'm NOT a big fan of the answer tones - these are the annoying songs that play (instead of just a ringing phone, which seemed find to me) when you call someone while you're waiting for them to answer (not to be confused with the ringtones, which I find incredibly helpful and fun to differentiate who's calling). Most of the time, the songs you're forced to listen to are just lame and silly. In fact, the only one I enjoy belongs to my friend who has the Cookie Monster song, "C is for Cookie" and every time I call the number, I laugh and laugh. Otherwise, I hate answer tones. They just seem pompous to me. Anyone agree?

Sunday Funny

So true!

Single in Salt Lake

McB called me last night to tell me of the funniest thing he'd seen all day. For those of you who aren't familiar, there was a Relief Society broadcast last night at the LDS Conference Center (which is basically a bunch of talks geared towards women, so thousands of women descend upon the building to hear these talks). As the ladies were leaving the building, one guy thought he'd take the opportunity to get a date or two and stood outside holding a sign that said, "SINGLE." Can you imagine?! I keep giggling just thinking about someone having so much chutzpah. Apparently he said he only gets a few phone numbers, but he likes making the ladies laugh when they see him. Perhaps I should do the same at the Priesthood session? HA!

Super Cute Bracelet

I can't believe I totally forgot to show you the cutest little bracelet around. Debra's son, Connor, presented me with it when I was at their house on Friday and I just fell in love with it. Who wouldn't love a bracelet made out of pipe cleaner? So adorable!

Top Seven Postsecrets of the Day

Lazy Saturday

It's been a nice, lazy Saturday so far. I slept in, went to the Farmer's Market, and *tried* to watch a movie. Sadly, it was a movie that I'd already seen (man, I hate it when that happens), so I'm back on the computer and will now need to find another activity. Perhaps a nap? Wow, that really would make it a lazy Saturday! Good news - the other day I cleared out my cell phone from all the people I'd no longer like to be in contact with (don't worry, I'm sure it's no one who reads my blog - I don't want another outburst like last time). It felt pretty good to delete people from my life! Kind of empowering, actually. Perhaps I do have it in me after all?

Auntie Pinky

When I was little, I remember there being a few people for which the sun rose and set around and when they came to visit, it was a BIG DEAL. One of these people was my mom's friend Roberta who, although she had five kids of her own, came to visit once for a few days and I remember thinking she was the greatest thing on earth. Another person like this was my Uncle Dave (and his fun friends, Cooch and John) who would let us crawl up their legs and flip over (I can't describe it in words, but it was a child's dream to do). And finally, our family friend Candy would always spoil us and was fun to hang out with. As I've grown up and found myself somewhere that I never thought I'd be (namely, in my mid-thirties and without a family of my own) I suppose there's a part of me who now wants to fill that space by being "Cool Auntie Pinky." I have so much fun hanging out with the myriads of kids belonging to my dear friends and family. While I suppose it's still a teensy bit hard for me hanging out with my pregnant friends and their kids (since I seem to hear the song, "One of these things is not like the other" in my head over and over again), it's fun to know that their kids look forward to my visits and we genuinely enjoy our time together. Who knows what the future will hold - whether I'll one day have a family of my own - but I hope I never lose the special relationships I hold with these sweet, precious kids.